Flint Opinions Archives: Eileen Buttontag:blog.mlive.com,2014:/flintjournal/opinion/10192008-04-21T00:53:00ZArchived Opinions, Editorials and ColumnsMovable Type Enterprise 4.29-advanceBullying robs kids of their childhood and more; Parents and educators must intervenetag:blog.mlive.com,2008:/flintjournal/opinion//1019.8777292008-04-21T00:53:00Z2008-04-21T00:53:32ZEileen Button | Flint Journalhttp://connect.mlive.com/user/ebutton/index.htmlPlaying with our kids, or just flying a kite, can give us a brighter outlook on life, says columnist Eileen Buttontag:blog.mlive.com,2008:/flintjournal/opinion//1019.8776902008-04-20T19:38:33Z2008-04-20T19:43:08ZEileen Button | Flint Journalhttp://connect.mlive.com/user/ebutton/index.htmlJoy of reading is a sublime gift for our childrentag:blog.mlive.com,2008:/flintjournal/opinion//1019.8588382008-04-13T05:00:38Z2008-04-13T05:11:30ZThere are certain childhood milestones that we are not likely to forget. We remember first steps, teeth and words. Jordan, my 7-year-old, just accomplished another. He read his first chapter book, Junie B., First Grader: Cheater Pants by Barbara Park....Eileen Button | Flint Journalhttp://connect.mlive.com/user/ebutton/index.html
There are certain childhood milestones that we are not likely to forget. We remember first steps, teeth and words. Jordan, my 7-year-old, just accomplished another. He read his first chapter book, Junie B., First Grader: Cheater Pants by Barbara Park....
'Here comes the sun!' (sing it with me now ...)tag:blog.mlive.com,2008:/flintjournal/opinion//1019.8517852008-04-06T17:32:12Z2008-04-07T12:42:23Z Eileen Button is a columnist for The Flint Journal, Davison Flagstaff and Clio Messenger. | Read more of her columns. "Do I have to wear my coat mom?" "Yes." "Why?" "Well ... maybe because it's snowing." "But it's spring!" This is a transcript of the daily battle with my kids. The same coat that protected my little snow angels from the horrendous winter winds became a straightjacket the moment the calendar declared the new season. My children illogically believe that if they refuse to wear their coats, then the weather will cooperate. It's an if-then statement that doesn't work very well in Michigan....Eileen Button | Flint Journalhttp://connect.mlive.com/user/ebutton/index.html
Eileen Button is a columnist for The Flint Journal, Davison Flagstaff and Clio Messenger. | Read more of her columns. "Do I have to wear my coat mom?" "Yes." "Why?" "Well ... maybe because it's snowing." "But it's spring!" This is a transcript of the daily battle with my kids. The same coat that protected my little snow angels from the horrendous winter winds became a straightjacket the moment the calendar declared the new season. My children illogically believe that if they refuse to wear their coats, then the weather will cooperate. It's an if-then statement that doesn't work very well in Michigan....
Spending is not a social responsibility as federal tax rebate checks coming soontag:blog.mlive.com,2008:/flintjournal/opinion//1019.8228942008-03-29T02:05:09Z2008-03-29T02:08:13ZEileen Button | Flint Journalhttp://connect.mlive.com/user/ebutton/index.htmlLetter to Silda Spitzer, wife of former NY governor, Eliot Spitzertag:blog.mlive.com,2008:/flintjournal/opinion//1019.8057872008-03-23T19:21:38Z2008-03-23T19:25:41ZDear Silda, It's been over a week since your public humiliation began. Hopefully, the vultures have scattered and no longer hawk your every move. I'm writing to tell you this, Silda: I would have stood by him too....Eileen Button | Flint Journalhttp://connect.mlive.com/user/ebutton/index.html
Dear Silda, It's been over a week since your public humiliation began. Hopefully, the vultures have scattered and no longer hawk your every move. I'm writing to tell you this, Silda: I would have stood by him too....
My imaginary interview with Hillary Clinton and Barack Obamatag:blog.mlive.com,2008:/flintjournal/opinion//1019.7880292008-03-16T13:09:53Z2008-03-17T14:53:00ZThe Associated PressHillary Clinton and Barack Obama Eileen Button: "Congratulations on your victories." Both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama: "Thank you."...Eileen Button | Flint Journalhttp://connect.mlive.com/user/ebutton/index.html
The Associated PressHillary Clinton and Barack Obama Eileen Button: "Congratulations on your victories." Both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama: "Thank you."...
Winter woes: there is hope for slugs who suffertag:blog.mlive.com,2008:/flintjournal/opinion//1019.7879882008-03-16T04:34:49Z2008-03-16T04:44:53ZWell, it's official. I am a slug. My seasonal slump descended deeper as Old Man Winter refused to relinquish his Energizer Bunny-powered rocking chair. Consequently, I've hit rock bottom. Trust me, I've asked my bottom. She agrees....Eileen Button | Flint Journalhttp://connect.mlive.com/user/ebutton/index.html
Well, it's official. I am a slug. My seasonal slump descended deeper as Old Man Winter refused to relinquish his Energizer Bunny-powered rocking chair. Consequently, I've hit rock bottom. Trust me, I've asked my bottom. She agrees....
Chaperoning a first-grade field trip can be a lesson in humilitytag:blog.mlive.com,2008:/flintjournal/opinion//1019.7702592008-03-08T19:39:25Z2008-03-10T12:42:50ZEileen Button | Flint Journalhttp://connect.mlive.com/user/ebutton/index.htmlParent or Narcissist? One always beats out the othertag:blog.mlive.com,2008:/flintjournal/opinion//1019.7305622008-03-02T17:33:19Z2008-03-03T21:35:33ZIce fishing isn't for sissies. There is nothing cozy or cowardly about standing on a sheet of hole-drilled ice in the freezing rain attempting to catch Nemo....Eileen Button | Flint Journalhttp://connect.mlive.com/user/ebutton/index.html
Ice fishing isn't for sissies. There is nothing cozy or cowardly about standing on a sheet of hole-drilled ice in the freezing rain attempting to catch Nemo....
What does your driveway say about you?tag:blog.mlive.com,2008:/flintjournal/opinion//1019.7094242008-02-24T22:46:11Z2008-02-25T04:23:31ZOnce upon a time, I owned a big red snowblower. It was the kind of machine that cleared an entire driveway in three sweeps and prompted the neighbors to say, "Wow! The Buttons are stepping up in the world!"...Eileen Button | Flint Journalhttp://connect.mlive.com/user/ebutton/index.html
Once upon a time, I owned a big red snowblower. It was the kind of machine that cleared an entire driveway in three sweeps and prompted the neighbors to say, "Wow! The Buttons are stepping up in the world!"...
Presidential race heats up, but the public needs a break from Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, John McCain and Mike Huckabeetag:blog.mlive.com,2008:/flintjournal/opinion//1019.6928302008-02-17T23:01:48Z2008-02-21T15:58:55ZDavison Flagstaff columnist Eileen ButtonBy now, we should have identified the front-runners on both sides of the track in the presidential race and be discussing vice president selection. But it felt like someone sat on a whoopee cushion Super Tuesday and on every presidential primary since. So, we're stuck at the starting line, watching the same race we've been watching now for a very long time between Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, John McCain and Mike Huckabee....Eileen Button | Flint Journalhttp://connect.mlive.com/user/ebutton/index.html
Davison Flagstaff columnist Eileen ButtonBy now, we should have identified the front-runners on both sides of the track in the presidential race and be discussing vice president selection. But it felt like someone sat on a whoopee cushion Super Tuesday and on every presidential primary since. So, we're stuck at the starting line, watching the same race we've been watching now for a very long time between Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, John McCain and Mike Huckabee....
Tax rebates coming soon, now how should I spend mine? Flint Journal columnist suggests giving it awaytag:blog.mlive.com,2008:/flintjournal/opinion//1019.6928002008-02-17T22:48:00Z2008-02-21T15:32:10ZThe stimulus checks are almost in the mail. Taxpayers can expect to receive their federal tax rebates by summer. What will we do with the tax rebate?...Eileen Button | Flint Journalhttp://connect.mlive.com/user/ebutton/index.html
The stimulus checks are almost in the mail. Taxpayers can expect to receive their federal tax rebates by summer. What will we do with the tax rebate?...
Button: Even 40-somethings can find happinesstag:blog.mlive.com,2008:/flintjournal/opinion//1019.6753132008-02-10T01:01:51Z2008-02-10T03:01:28ZWhoever said "life begins at 40" must have believed that life began in a toilet. That's all I can figure given the recent finding that people in their 40s are living the most depressing years of their lives....Eileen Button | Flint Journalhttp://connect.mlive.com/user/ebutton/index.html
Whoever said "life begins at 40" must have believed that life began in a toilet. That's all I can figure given the recent finding that people in their 40s are living the most depressing years of their lives....
How bright is your light?tag:blog.mlive.com,2008:/flintjournal/opinion//1019.6576202008-02-03T21:15:01Z2008-02-15T03:48:04ZAn age is called "dark," not because the light fails to shine but because people refuse to see it. ~ James Michener In his attempt to be listed in the Guinness Book of World Records, a professor of engineering at Rice University has created the world's darkest material. According to the Houston Chronicle, the carbon-based substance is considered to be "100 times darker than a black-painted Corvette." Its ability to absorb light and minimize its scattering is expected to assist manufacturers of solar panels and telescopes....Eileen Button | Flint Journalhttp://connect.mlive.com/user/ebutton/index.html
An age is called "dark," not because the light fails to shine but because people refuse to see it. ~ James Michener In his attempt to be listed in the Guinness Book of World Records, a professor of engineering at Rice University has created the world's darkest material. According to the Houston Chronicle, the carbon-based substance is considered to be "100 times darker than a black-painted Corvette." Its ability to absorb light and minimize its scattering is expected to assist manufacturers of solar panels and telescopes....
Button: Professional procrastinator offers some helpful tipstag:blog.mlive.com,2008:/flintjournal/opinion//1019.6337272008-01-27T05:13:24Z2008-02-05T15:17:00ZFor the most part, I'm a work-at-home mom. I'm told it's very glamorous to make my own hours in my pajamas, but I sometimes miss my office that came with a desk, a coffeemaker and co-workers. I think this is why they invented Panera Bread. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 10 million women work from home. That's a lot of women with the audacity to believe they can accomplish something meaningful while simultaneously caring for children, tending to animals and maintaining their homes....Eileen Button | Flint Journalhttp://connect.mlive.com/user/ebutton/index.html
For the most part, I'm a work-at-home mom. I'm told it's very glamorous to make my own hours in my pajamas, but I sometimes miss my office that came with a desk, a coffeemaker and co-workers. I think this is why they invented Panera Bread. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 10 million women work from home. That's a lot of women with the audacity to believe they can accomplish something meaningful while simultaneously caring for children, tending to animals and maintaining their homes....
Button: New moms receive more than bundles of joytag:blog.mlive.com,2008:/flintjournal/opinion//1019.6176162008-01-20T05:15:57Z2008-01-21T04:31:39ZHere's a trick question: What does a woman get after spending nine months watching her belly grow, gaining an average of 30 pounds, swallowing hundreds of prenatal vitamins, going to the bathroom 60 times a day and attending Lamaze and parenting classes? If you guessed "diamonds," you win the prize. Commonly referred to as "push presents," "baby mama gifts" or "baby baubles," an increasing number of men are presenting new moms gifts of jewelry to acknowledge their pain and sacrifice while bringing a child into the world....Eileen Button | Flint Journalhttp://connect.mlive.com/user/ebutton/index.html
Here's a trick question: What does a woman get after spending nine months watching her belly grow, gaining an average of 30 pounds, swallowing hundreds of prenatal vitamins, going to the bathroom 60 times a day and attending Lamaze and parenting classes? If you guessed "diamonds," you win the prize. Commonly referred to as "push presents," "baby mama gifts" or "baby baubles," an increasing number of men are presenting new moms gifts of jewelry to acknowledge their pain and sacrifice while bringing a child into the world....
Button: The writing life is one for all to enjoytag:blog.mlive.com,2008:/flintjournal/opinion//1019.6011542008-01-13T21:26:10Z2008-01-13T16:53:14ZOne of our culture's great myths is that everyone can be a reader, but not all can be writers. Reading, it is believed, can be taught. Writing, like being athletic or funny, is an inherent trait. It's a lie. We're all writers if we're willing to spend some time hanging out on the page. Columnist Regina Brett of Cleveland, Ohio says quite simply, "A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write."...Eileen Button | Flint Journalhttp://connect.mlive.com/user/ebutton/index.html
One of our culture's great myths is that everyone can be a reader, but not all can be writers. Reading, it is believed, can be taught. Writing, like being athletic or funny, is an inherent trait. It's a lie. We're all writers if we're willing to spend some time hanging out on the page. Columnist Regina Brett of Cleveland, Ohio says quite simply, "A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write."...
Button: Change is created one step at a timetag:blog.mlive.com,2008:/flintjournal/opinion//1019.6109202008-01-13T05:15:08Z2008-01-13T05:23:59ZIt was at the start of a boring meal of Sloppy Joes, fried potatoes and salad that my teenage son put into words what all of us were feeling. "My life seems paused. I want to move on, but I'm stuck," he said. My husband later added, "I feel like a walking refrigerator. No, change that ... a mobile dumpster." Oh, yes. It must be mid January....Eileen Button | Flint Journalhttp://connect.mlive.com/user/ebutton/index.html
It was at the start of a boring meal of Sloppy Joes, fried potatoes and salad that my teenage son put into words what all of us were feeling. "My life seems paused. I want to move on, but I'm stuck," he said. My husband later added, "I feel like a walking refrigerator. No, change that ... a mobile dumpster." Oh, yes. It must be mid January....
Button: A new year and a clutter-free kitchentag:blog.mlive.com,2008:/flintjournal/opinion//1019.5884542008-01-06T14:14:12Z2008-01-06T14:26:44ZI recently spent five consecutive hours working in my kitchen, but I didn't cook a meal or touch a single dish. After all was said and done, dinner still needed to be made, the dishwasher still needed emptying and the cupboards were still bare. For five hours, I sorted paper....Eileen Button | Flint Journalhttp://connect.mlive.com/user/ebutton/index.html
I recently spent five consecutive hours working in my kitchen, but I didn't cook a meal or touch a single dish. After all was said and done, dinner still needed to be made, the dishwasher still needed emptying and the cupboards were still bare. For five hours, I sorted paper....